July 8, 2015

I have decided to take a seat away from the blog for the rest of the summer. Enjoying what ATX has to offer. Read obscene amount of books, watch old movies on Netflix and maybe just maybe finish a few projects or two.

I will be back after Labor Day. Refreshed, refocused and renewed. Thank you for stopping by and I hope the rest of your own summer is a fabulous one. Love, C.

July 7, 2015

I know. I know. I just can't resist, but Princess Charlotte's baptism captured my heart. Oh, What a darling little Royal family and the sight of them strolling up to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene on Queen Elizabeth II's Sandringham Estate was priceless. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge truly epitomize class, style and reverence. Which is so sorely needed in our celebrity obsessed culture today. I always love too...all the special details that they lovingly include that brings tradition and contemporary together so perfectly. The Pram alone was such a delightful touch:)

And beautiful baby Charlotte on her very special day. She is truly a blessed little Girl indeed. happy Tuesday. Love, C.
*image sources: Getty/Chris Jackson.

July 6, 2015

How was your 4th of July? I hope it was filled with all things beautifully American. I myself had to work until 5:30 pm and then headed over to a friends pool party for some lively conversation and a couple of spirits before heading home to eat and workout. I did spend some time on the back patio before going to bed,listening to all the booms and bangs of fireworks in the neighborhood. I am not huge on crowds, so that was enough excitement for me. I did sit and reflect on what Independence Day means to me... Memories of back home in Minnesota, time with Friends and my dear sweet Grandmother who passed away on the 4th of July. But, also the 4th has always been filled with daydreams of celebrating with style (It is a pretty big holiday for my family due to our direct descent from good Ol Andrew McPherran, who fought in the revolutionary war). I dream of American flag bunting, sparklers, planning the perfect backyard party menu and festivities.

Oh, I mustn't forget the outfit ensemble, my Mother would be very disappointed in me:) I couldn't help taking my inspiration from Grace after finally seeing Grace of Monaco! The Bio Pic starring Nicole Kidman. It was a visually lovely film, but being the Princess Grace "expert" that I am. I found it did not capture the essence of Grace's spirit and the choices of other leading characters were pretty poorly picked. Though the Costuming was impeccable as with the scenery. I would watch it again just for that alone.

Despite Grace becoming a Monegasques citizen, she truly never lost that iconic American style. Simple, yet effortlessly Chic. Below I pulled a few images that captures that. The Fringe Sun Hat, minimal make-up, cigarette pants and the always classic espadrilles. By next 4th I will make this look happen:)
*all images by Royal family Photographer Howell Conant.

June 8, 2015

O.K., I am totally geeking out here and reverting back to my youth...Oh, do I love myself some Royal intrigue. It has been a favorite fascination since childhood, I must confess. Beginning with my Mother telling me about her cherished (future Princess of Monaco) Grace Kelly Paper Dolls and then waking up bright and early to watch shy Di marry Charles the summer of 1981. Yes, I was young, but remember every little detail. Fast forward to now, The Great Kate Era. I am completely smitten with her Authenticity, style, poise and grace. A fresh break indeed from the classless reality stars of today (you know who I am talking about).

Now with little Charlotte on the scene, it is doubly delightful to be a royal watcher. While researching for this post and reliving her May 2nd debut. A Few things crossed my mind, I loved seeing how confident William and Catherine looked this time emerging from St. Mary's Lindo Wing. They now seem to have this parenting thing down pretty well. Catherine looked positively radiant in her Jenna Packham bespoke silk, yellow buttercup print shift dress as she held Charlotte sleeping peacefully unaware of the huge fan fair surrounding her birth. I so admire her attention to detail while being under such public scrutiny. She definitely has the Jackie Kennedy effect (always putting her best foot forward). But, one of my favorite parts of these images is the love William and Catherine ooze for each other. They truly have a remarkable partnership. Sweet little Charlotte is very blessed to be the newest member of this little family.

Then this week with the social media release of the first portraits of little George with his baby sister at their family country home of Anmer Hall on the Queens Sandringham estate. I was thrilled that Catherine, avid photographer snapped these delightful photos herself. Only a Mother or close intimate could take such sweet images. The photos themselves were taken in Mid-May with the Duchesses Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera. I know many blogs and magazines are talking about how she is taking family photos mostly for Privacy and not allowing excessive intrusion into their daily life. I personally believe that like many of us, including myself she is enjoying documenting the everyday with her family with her own unique perspective. It is beyond lovely that she is sharing it with the world.

Here is some other great posts elsewhere on all things Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and the little family: What Kate Wore and Duchess Kate.
Happy Monday. Love, C.

May 28, 2015

May 18, 2015

I have been reading Elise's blog for sometime and just adore her approach to getting things done. Her project organizational skills are seriously stellar and so inspiring to say the least. So, when I saw that she was creating her own planner for retail. I about fell off my chair, I couldn't resist doing my own research and pouring over the GET TO WORK BOOK™ site. Devouring every little detail and of course taking notes to share here:)

This truly is a planner with Intention. Lot's of note space, project breakdowns and goal setting areas included. The physical book is sturdy, yet stylish with Elise's trademark minalmist chic. I also love how each month has its own Quote, that can later be framed if you choose. No detail is left for chance in this design...down to the embossed check mark chipboard cover and the sharpie proof pages.

I know in my own life how important a good physical planner can be and this year since I have not had one. I have noticed how unfocused I am without the daily physically reminder of seeing my goals and to-do's in ink. When I don't write things down, I am winging it on with no success. Things don't get done, goals become regret and plans are never met. Not my idea of a good way to exist. So, I am thrilled to GET TO WORK(BOOK™) on goals and organization again.

Love, C.

Elise is taking GET TO WORK BOOK™ pre-orders now for it's mid-June release. Please do check it out here.

May 17, 2015

81 photos on my IPhone 5s and my first attempt at Ali Edwards Day in the Life
project is complete. I am so pleased with myself for following through despite my initial resistance. It was such a cloudy rainy day and I have been really struggling with depression/deep homesickness as of late. Despite all those feelings I pushed through...especially when my first cup of coffee hit my system:) But, by the end of the day my lackluster attitude was replaced by a deep sense of gratitude. Here is my Tuesday:

It was a ordinary day and I struggled with documenting that initially. "Who wants to look at my boring life?!?!", that statement alone while beginning in the morning was a big red flag for me. Despite all the years of enjoying memory keeping... I have always had in the back of my mind what others would think. Oh her house is not hip enough, that photo angle is stupid, the list goes on and on. Can you relate?

But, by the end of the day and pushing through that feeling of not being good enough. I learned so much... That my life is perfectly imperfect just as it is in the moment. My personal struggles are making my character/self stronger. I do truly have joy in my life, very small things (like hand washing my nightly dishes, folding laundry, my big black round sunglasses and the first spray of my favorite fragrance before leaving the house) and the big things (my ancient Volvo with all his quirks, sitting in the morning drinking coffee/writing and my evening conversations with my dear roommate John in the garage).

Honestly, by the end of the day. My heart was filled with so much gratitude for finishing a Day in the life. It is a project I will look forward to doing again and again. It Opened my heart in so many ways that I never expected... Especially the reminder of how powerful it is to be present in the Now. Not wasting so much time yearning for what will be or not to be:)

Thank you for coming by, it means a lot:) I promise in the next few weeks I will show my completed album and the changes I made to my original plan. I hope you are having a Happy Sunday. Love, C.